PlainCars

NHTSA

Defect investigations

NHTSA opens defect investigations when complaint patterns suggest a possible safety risk. Browse all 4,173 investigations, including 93 currently open.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the agency Office of Defects Investigation has opened 4,161 formal defect investigations into U.S. vehicles as of June 2026. Each investigation can precede a recall; see our methodology for how these federal case files are tracked.

4,173
Total
93
Open
2329
Preliminary
871
Engineering
210
Recall Queries
Status: All Open
Type: All PEEARQ
RQ17004 Recall Query Closed
2017-05-18

Scope and Timeliness

Hyundai Hyundai

RQ17003 Recall Query Closed
2017-05-18

Scope and Timeliness

KIA KIA

RQ17002 Recall Query Closed
2017-04-24

Loss of Headlights

Oldsmobile Oldsmobile

RQ17001 Recall Query Closed
2017-04-03

Steering Arm Capscrew Failures
RQ16001 Recall Query Closed
2016-09-28

Brake Master Cylinder Failure

Ford F-150

RQ15004 Recall Query Closed
2015-07-24

Software security vulnerability

International International

RQ15003 Recall Query Closed
2015-05-01

Post 14V-391 Headliner Fires

Chrysler Chrysler

RQ15002 Recall Query Closed
2015-03-18

Wheelchair lift platform failure
RQ15001 Recall Query Closed
2015-03-18

Occupant Classification System Failure

Infiniti Infiniti

RQ14005 Recall Query Closed
2015-01-13

Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown

Ford Pickup

RQ14004 Recall Query Closed
2014-09-10

Trailer tire may contact floor
RQ14003 Recall Query Closed
2014-08-06

Aerial Fire Apparatus Cable Failure
RQ14002 Recall Query Closed
2014-06-16

Air Bag Non-Deployment/Engine Stall

Chrysler Town AND Country

RQ14001 Recall Query Closed
2014-05-29

Jeep inadvertent air bag deployment

Chrysler Chrysler

RQ13004 Recall Query Closed
2013-12-04

Headliner Bracket Detachment

Hyundai Elantra Touring

RQ13003 Recall Query Closed
2013-07-05

Generator Control Module Fires

Chevrolet Malibu ECO

RQ13002 Recall Query Closed
2013-05-31

Air Bag Non-deployment

Chevrolet Chevrolet

RQ13001 Recall Query Closed
2013-02-04

Brake Light Malfunction

Pontiac Pontiac

RQ12001 Recall Query Closed
2012-12-07

PDM Failures
RQ11001 Recall Query Closed
2011-05-23

Volvo Sleeper glass de-bonding

Volvo Volvo

RQ10004 Recall Query Closed
2010-12-15

Electric Power Steering Failure

Saturn Saturn

RQ10003 Recall Query Closed
2010-02-16

Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration

Toyota Toyota

RQ10002 Recall Query Closed
2010-01-27

Motorcycle Stalling
RQ10001 Recall Query Closed
2010-01-25

Handlebar Separation
RQ09004 Recall Query Closed
2009-11-02

RUPTURING DRIVER'S AIR BAG INFLATORS

Honda Honda

RQ09003 Recall Query Closed
2009-07-01

FRONT AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR FAILURE

Chrysler Chrysler

RQ09002 Recall Query Closed
2009-04-15

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE

Mazda Tribute

RQ09001 Recall Query Closed
2009-02-25

BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MALFUNCTION

Chevrolet Chevrolet

RQ08007 Recall Query Closed
2008-11-26

STEERING NECK SEPARATION
RQ08006 Recall Query Closed
2008-09-08

IGNITION PARK-SHIFT INTERLOCK

Honda Accord

RQ08005 Recall Query Closed
2008-07-28

FUEL SPIT-BACK DURING REFUELING

Chrysler Chrysler

RQ08004 Recall Query Closed
2008-06-24

FRONT AXLE / TIRE OVERLOAD
RQ08003 Recall Query Closed
2008-06-23

REAR LIFTGATE GLASS HATCH FAILURE

Mercury Mercury

RQ08002 Recall Query Closed
2008-03-11

POWER STEERING HOSE LEAK

Mercedes-Benz M-Class

RQ08001 Recall Query Closed
2008-02-28

HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE
RQ07003 Recall Query Closed
2007-12-05

FRONT WHEEL SEPARATION

Freightliner Custom Chassis

RQ07002 Recall Query Closed
2007-09-05

ENGINE COOLING FAN BLADE FRACTURE
RQ07001 Recall Query Closed
2007-07-24

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

International International

RQ06009 Recall Query Closed
2006-12-14

FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
RQ06008 Recall Query Closed
2006-09-05

FAILED TAG AXLE SWING ARMS
RQ06007 Recall Query Closed
2006-05-24

BRAKE BOOSTER ACCUMULATOR FAILURE

Mitsubishi Mitsubishi

RQ06006 Recall Query Closed
2006-05-05

INSTRUMENT PANEL FIRES
RQ06005 Recall Query Closed
2006-04-10

LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATION
RQ06004 Recall Query Closed
2006-02-28

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE

Volkswagen Volkswagen

RQ06003 Recall Query Closed
2006-02-27

DRIVER'S SIDE DASH FIRE

Volkswagen Volkswagen

RQ06002 Recall Query Closed
2006-02-27

ENGINE STALLING

Chrysler Chrysler

RQ06001 Recall Query Closed
2006-02-22

ENGINE STALL - CRANK POSITION SENSOR

Nissan Altima

RQ05003 Recall Query Closed
2005-12-20

FUEL LINE LEAKAGE

SAAB SAAB

RQ05002 Recall Query Closed
2005-08-23

HEADLAMP SWITCH KNOB BREAKS OFF

Ford Excursion

RQ05001 Recall Query Closed
2005-01-13

COUNTRY COACH CAMPAIGN 01V-170

Understanding NHTSA Investigations

Preliminary Evaluation (PE)

Initial assessment of a potential safety defect, typically opened after receiving multiple consumer complaints about similar issues.

Engineering Analysis (EA)

In-depth technical evaluation that may include testing, data collection from manufacturers, and detailed defect analysis.

Recall Query (RQ)

Evaluation of the effectiveness of a previously issued recall remedy, often triggered when complaints persist after a recall.

Investigation Outcomes

Investigations may result in a voluntary recall by the manufacturer, a mandatory recall order, or closure if no defect is found.

Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. about how PlainCars sources NHTSA data.